The continuing saga of my Commando Land Speed Racer.

Eldo · Mar 6, 2017

Hi again all, just wanted to share some specifics of my new LSR motor by Herb Becker.

last year, we set a record in the 1000cc pushrod class (M-PG1000/4) at the ECTA Ohio Mile, running a 860cc Commando motor with a relatively stock bottom end with a big valve, ported head. This winter Herb Becker has built a new 920cc motor to take better advantage of the 1000cc displacement limit. Here are some pics:

850 head, with valve guides welded up, to be re-angled to elimitate valve overlap when bigger vlavles are installed.

The continuing saga of my Commando Land Speed Racer.

New Ferrea valves. 44mm intake, 38mm exhaust, 7mm stems.

New valve guides for getting ready to be pressed into the head. You can see the extensive porting to be done.

Valve guides re-drilled, and porting finished; note the change from 4 bolt intake to 3, to accommodate the porting. We got 220cfm @ 8" of water with .480" lift. That should be good for 90-92hp at the wheel.

Lightened rockers, drilled tappets.

Eldo · Mar 6, 2017

Balancing the crank.

Boring the cylinders;

New LA Sleeves to be installed:

BSA lifters:

Mikuni VM44 carbs, modified to fit with adjustments facing left and right, for ease of ajustment at the track:

Megacycle .480" lift cam:

Custom 3 bolt intake:

JS Motorsport 81mm pistons:

JS Motorsport rods installed on the crank:

Eldo · Mar 6, 2017

Everything else about ready to assemble and take to the dyno:

Eldo · Mar 6, 2017

And here's a great little note from Herb, outlining everything he did:

CanukNortonNut · Mar 6, 2017

Eldo,
That is some really serious head work done there. How many hours went into that alone?
Love to see a dyno run with this all together. Will you bring it up to Don M's to get your engine dialed in?
Cheers,
Thomas

Eldo · Mar 6, 2017

Yes, Thomas; we'll have this to Don as soon as it's together. Looking forward to see what kind of power it will make!

acadian · Mar 6, 2017

Hey Eldo, had the pleasure of speaking with you and seeing bike up close at the Toronto bike show, can't wait to see the dyno numbers. :mrgreen:

nortriubuell · Mar 6, 2017

Very, VERY cool 8) ... and GREAT pics, thanks for posting

The Buckeye Rider · Mar 6, 2017

Give us a heads up when you go to the ECTA in Ohio again and we'll stop in and cheer you on!
Ride On
Dave

Changaroo · Mar 7, 2017

That is some serious work there, I look forward to your report on the dyno .
I hope I am mistaken, but looking at the photos of the intake side of the head, there appears to be a hairline crack. It starts on the rear rocker cover mating face, just to left of centre and goes down perhaps a inch or so. Hope I am wrong but it wouldn't hurt to check it out.

lcrken · Mar 7, 2017

Really interesting details. Thanks for posting. Those are the largest valves I've ever seen fitted to a Commando head! Must have some serious valve guide re-angling.

Ken

cjandme · Mar 7, 2017

Changaroo said:
......I hope I am mistaken, but looking at the photos of the intake side of the head, there appears to be a hairline crack. It starts on the rear rocker cover mating face, just to left of centre and goes down perhaps a inch or so. Hope I am wrong but it wouldn't hurt to check it out.

+1 I was a bit hesitant to say anything, least it sound nit picking or negative. Thank you for posting this thread, that sure looks like it is going to be a fantastic engine and should be good for a really competitive run.

billet · Mar 8, 2017

Eldo, why the step in the outbored cylinder? I suppose it is not the final finish on that photo Before assemble of the liner?
By the way, what cool hot rod you have in your garage! I really like the look of it!

Sten

Nater_Potater · Mar 8, 2017

Eldo said:
Boring the cylinders;

How I cringe seeing those massive holes open up in the bores! I know the sleeves carry the load just fine, but I can't help but imagine the fins falling off in chunks somewhere out on the Salt. It'll be just fine, as plenty of others have done the same thing. I'll just have to get over it...
Thanks for sharing the pictures! It really helps drive home just how much goes into one of these in the search for the almighty horsepower. If you're adding approximately 45 HP to a stock motor, I shudder to think what each of those HP costs, both in dollars and time. Rock on!!!

Nathan

Eldo · Mar 9, 2017

Billet, that's Herb's Oldsmobile powered Ford hotrod in background. In the other shot, you can see Herb's blown, twin engined Norton drag bike. Lots of go fast comapany, for sure!

Eldo · Mar 9, 2017

Nater_Potater, we have to go fast, not far...

Mark · Mar 9, 2017

Yep......... them are some big valves you've got there!
How about a pic of the whole bike?
What else have you done to it? lightening? gearing changes? etc.?

jseng1 · Mar 10, 2017

Great to see this level of craftsmanship and equipment.

Eldo · Apr 23, 2017

Hi, Just wanted to add an update; Made it to the Dyno on Friday, and here's a quick vid of one of the runs and our Dyno Sheet. Made 90 rwhp on the very first pull! Backed it up with the another pull right at 90 as well.

CanukNortonNut · Apr 23, 2017

That's impressive. Lets hope it holds together. :mrgreen:
Cheers,
Thomas